Works In Progress - June 2007 - The lessons from 40 years of occupation

As the US forcefully imposes a military occupation of Iraq, now in its fourth year, it is important to recognize an equally illegal and immoral occupation that has lasted forty years with the explicit approval and support of the US. I am speaking of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip that began at the conclusion of the June 1967 war, mounted in an equally aggressive manner and possessing many characteristics which are comparable to the US role in Iraq. Israel has managed this occupation with notorious impunity, ignoring rights of Palestinian self-determination and respect for human dignity, and showing disregard for international law, much in the same manner as the US intervention in Iraq. Especially noteworthy in Israel's case is the duration of the occupation, now entering its fourth decade, with minimal prospects for a resolution in the foreseeable future, due to reluctance and unwillingness on the part of American and Israeli leaders to offer or agree to acceptable proposals.

The pains and consequences of occupation cannot be ignored. An exhaustive written record exists, chronicling the atrocities visited on the inhabitants of historical Palestine. While in the American media we frequently hear about suicide bombings, rockets fired into Israel proper, and extremist denunciations of Israel's "right to exist," the violence and terror faced by Israeli citizens pales in comparison to those inflicted on Palestinians.

As a recent report released by Amnesty International illustrates, the Palestinian population suffers significantly more than Israelis, suffering over 600 deaths in 2006, one-sixth of them being children. In that same period, Israel experienced 29 deaths related to conflict. Israel's systematic campaign of violence and policies that in many respects resemble the Apartheid South African model, are conducted asymmetrically, as its power far supersedes what is launched by resistant elements. For citizens interested in justice through upholding human rights, these developments prove troubling.

From a perspective merely concerned with matters of security for both the US and Israel, new mainstream scholarship has appeared in recent years that speaks to the damage that the ongoing occupation brings both countries, most notably coming from former President Carter's new book, Palestine: Peace not Apartheid.

While the book fails to introduce new information for those concerned with justice and peace, its author is too influential and respectable to be dismissed. Carter introduces the conflict in a context new to the mainstream by evoking the word Apartheid. Carter's perspective is important in that, while the American public has historically favored the establishment of a sovereign and autonomous Palestine in some form (some polls indicate that people favor this prospect on a margin of 2-to-1), this has not translated into positive changes in the positioning of the political elite.

Respected voices often have the effect of giving space to traditionally marginalized ideas. The scope of Carter's work may be limited, but the repercussions are important. Voices advocating justice for Palestinians have easily been marginalized, due to disorganization and limited "people to people" contact, especially in contrast to the organizational capabilities of proponents of the occupation in Israel, and especially the United States. When practicing international solidarity, it is critically important to forge strong connections with the people experiencing oppression and ensure that work is highly complimentary and affirming for groups working toward common goals.

There are obvious reasons why US citizens should organize against the Israeli occupation, as the US role in brokering "peace" has been functionally one-sided. The political establishment within the US has often exacerbated the intensity of the conflict, effectively rejecting the sentiments of the international community and more moderate voices in Israel. The most important reason why Washington is unwavering in its support of Israel is that Israel, since 1967 especially, has functioned as an extension of American power designs in the Middle East.

Israel is one of the largest military powers in the world, a result of sustained contributions from the US. This largely consists of foreign aid in the form of weaponry but also includes significant loans that effectively function as grants (that Israel is not under any obligation to repay). The most recent indication of Israel operating in accord with US strategic interests is last summer's incursion into Lebanon that resulted in significant civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure devoted to providing services for the people of Lebanon. The basic strategy for the invasion had been formulated years in advance under direct consultation with US defense strategists. This served as a means to weaken Hezbollah, a group that the US considers a surrogate of Iran. Due to US complicity in Israel's repeated pattern of aggression, it is important for Americans resistant to military aggression to focus efforts on shifting the policy initiatives of their government.

Drawing connections between the occupations of Iraq and Palestine is imperative for peace and justice communities. As the violence in Iraq intensifies, and with a conclusion nowhere in sight, we must realize that our actions in this region do not occur in an isolated vacuum. The consequences of US policy range deeply, affecting the conditions and circumstances that shape the political environment in the international arena.

Because of this, the US exercises considerable influence, meaning even minor changes hold significant ramifications. Peace and justice communities must support and encourage Israeli voices that advocate a peaceful end to occupation. We should also begin engaging in solidarity activity, which is a critical component in reversing the pattern of imperialism and neocolonialism practiced in the occupied territories. Significant forms of resistance have been launched in response to both occupations, therefore organizing around the issue is not without ample historical precedent. We must reexamine our conduct and activity to approach this issue with a concerted new program for reversing the patterns of injustice and oppression. In light of recent developments and the tragic reminder offered by the fortieth anniversary of the Israeli occupation, we have an extraordinary opportunity to refocus our efforts and work toward the cause of a just and lasting peace in this war-torn region.

In early June, there are a series of events and demonstrations in both our region and nationally that I would highly encourage people to explore.

In Olympia, on June 5 at 7 pm, there will be a presentation at the Olympia Center giving a brief introduction to the 1967 war and the consequences of that event.

On June 8, there will be a vigil at Percival Landing from 4 pm to 6 pm where people in attendance will voice their opposition to both the Israeli and US occupations.

Lastly, south in Vancouver, from June 5 -- 7, there is an event called the Northwest Convergence Conference, which will feature the most militaristic and belligerent voices in support of Israel's continuing violation of human rights and international law. In response to the message being projected from this gathering, local organizers with Voices for Middle East Justice in Vancouver have organized a series of events and programs, advocating that justice and fairness are required for a lasting peace, not oppression and domination.

For information, visit http://www.democracyforvancouver.org/2007/05/17/counter-the-convergence-northwest-2007-conference or email sesame@riseup.net.